U.S. patent number 11,108,424 [Application Number 16/517,383] was granted by the patent office on 2021-08-31 for accessory device with communication features.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Ross D. Arriens, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Ho Cheung Chung, Craig S. Ogden, Vusthla Sunil Reddy, Sara Rusignuolo, Stephen T. Schooley, Xinping Zeng.
United States Patent |
11,108,424 |
Schooley , et al. |
August 31, 2021 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Accessory device with communication features
Abstract
Accessory devices are described herein. An accessory device may
include a receptacle for receiving an electronic device. The
accessory device may include a case that covers the housing of the
electronic device, or a folio that additionally includes a cover
can conceal the display of the electronic device. Accessory devices
described herein further include wireless circuitry used to
communicate with wireless circuitry in the electronic device. The
wireless circuitry can be used for various functions and features.
For instance, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device can
respond to authentication requests from the electronic device,
and/or to send authentication requests to the electronic device.
Further, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device can send
information to the electronic device. Such information may include
properties of the accessory device, or information stored on the
accessory device that is presented on a display of the electronic
device.
Inventors: |
Schooley; Stephen T. (Menlo
Park, CA), Arriens; Ross D. (Mountain View, CA),
Rusignuolo; Sara (Sunnyvale, CA), Ogden; Craig S.
(Mountain View, CA), Chung; Ho Cheung (Sunnyvale, CA),
Reddy; Vusthla Sunil (Cupertino, CA), Bataillou; Jeremy
D. (San Francisco, CA), Zeng; Xinping (San Jose,
CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Apple Inc. (Cupertino,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
72604652 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/517,383 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20200313712 A1 |
Oct 1, 2020 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62825622 |
Mar 28, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
1/185 (20130101); H04B 1/3888 (20130101); H04M
1/72454 (20210101); H04M 1/04 (20130101); H04B
1/385 (20130101); H04M 1/72412 (20210101); H04W
12/06 (20130101); H04B 2001/3866 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04B
1/3827 (20150101); H04M 1/72412 (20210101); H04B
1/3888 (20150101); H04M 1/72454 (20210101); H04W
12/06 (20210101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Tuan H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dickinson Wright RLLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/825,622, filed on Mar. 28, 2019, titled
"ACCESSORY DEVICE WITH COMMUNICATION FEATURES," the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An accessory device, comprising: a receptacle that defines an
internal volume; a target embedded in the receptacle and detectable
by a sensor carried by an electronic device that is positioned in
the internal volume; wireless circuitry embedded in the receptacle,
wherein a communication channel is established between the
electronic device and the wireless circuitry when the target is
detected by the sensor; and a memory circuit that stores
authentication information that is transmitted in response to
establishment of the communication channel.
2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein subsequent to
transmission of the authentication information, the wireless
circuitry provides information in accordance with the
receptacle.
3. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the memory circuit
further stores electronic device authentication information, and
wherein subsequent to the authentication information, the wireless
circuitry transmits the electronic device authentication
information that request authentication from the electronic
device.
4. The accessory device of claim 3, wherein subsequent to receipt
of the electronic device authentication information, the wireless
circuitry provides information in accordance with the
receptacle.
5. The accessory device of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge
connected to the receptacle, the receptacle comprising a back wall
and sidewalls extending from the back wall; and a cover
rotationally coupled to the receptacle by the hinge, the cover
capable of engaging the sidewalls in a closed position.
6. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the target comprises a
magnet that generates a magnetic field detectable by the electronic
device.
7. The accessory device of claim 1, further comprising a button
configured to activate or deactivate the wireless circuitry.
8. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the
accessory device comprising: a receptacle comprising a bottom wall
and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall, the bottom wall and
the sidewalls defining an internal volume having a size and shape
to receive the electronic device; wireless circuitry embedded in
the receptacle, wherein receipt of the electronic device in the
internal volume causes the wireless circuitry to provide
information to the electronic device, wherein the information
alters visual information of a display assembly of the electronic
device; a hinge connected to the receptacle; and a cover
rotationally coupled to the receptacle by the hinge, the cover
comprising an accessory display, wherein the wireless circuitry
receives device information from the electronic device that is
presented on the accessory display.
9. The accessory device of claim 8, wherein the cover is capable of
engaging the sidewalls.
10. The accessory device of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises a
sensor capable of detecting ambient environment information.
11. The accessory device of claim 8, further comprising a target
embedded in the receptacle, wherein subsequent to detection of the
target by the electronic device, the wireless circuitry responds to
authentication communication provided by the electronic device.
12. The accessory device of claim 8, wherein the information
initiates a display filter that is applied to the display
assembly.
13. The accessory device of claim 8, wherein the accessory display
presents the visual information in accordance with the device
information.
14. The accessory device of claim 8, further comprising a button
configured to activate or deactivate the wireless circuitry.
15. A method for communicating with an electronic device, the
method comprising: by an accessory device: receiving the electronic
device into a receptacle of the accessory device, the receptacle
carrying wireless circuitry and a memory circuit that stores
information in accordance with the accessory device; receiving,
using the wireless circuitry, an authentication request generated
by the electronic device; and providing, using the wireless
circuitry, the information in response to an authentication based
on the an authentication request.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing,
subsequent to receiving the authentication request from the
electronic device, an electronic device authentication request to
the electronic device.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving, from the
electronic device, information that is presented on a display
located on a flap that is connected to the receptacle by a
hinge.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: activating the
wireless circuitry by a button located on the receptacle.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving the electronic device
into the receptacle comprises receiving the electronic device in a
head mounted device.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising presenting visual
information on a display of the accessory device, the visual
information based on the information.
Description
FIELD
The following description relates to accessory devices, such as
cases and folios, used with portable electronic devices, such as
smartphones and tablet computing devices. In particular, the
following description relates to accessory devices with wireless
circuitry used to communicate with portable electronic devices. As
an example, an accessory device may include wireless circuitry that
can communicate information to a portable electronic device when
the portable electronic device is coupled/secured with accessory
device. The information can be related to properties and features
of the accessory device.
BACKGROUND
Accessory devices can be used to carry and protect electronic
devices. Some accessory devices may include a compartment to store
the portable electronic device.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, an accessory device is described. The accessory
device may include a receptacle that defines an internal volume.
The accessory device may further include a target that is embedded
in the receptacle and detectable by a sensor carried by an
electronic device that is positioned in the internal volume. The
accessory device may further include wireless circuitry embedded in
the receptacle. In some embodiments, a communication channel is
established between the electronic device and the wireless
circuitry when the target is detected by the sensor.
In another aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic
device is described. The accessory device may include a receptacle
comprising a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom
wall. The bottom wall and the sidewalls can define an internal
volume having a size and shape to receive the electronic device.
The accessory device may further include wireless circuitry
embedded in the receptacle. In some embodiments, receipt of the
electronic device in the internal volume causes the wireless
circuitry to provide information to the electronic device. Also, in
some embodiments, the information alters visual information of a
display assembly of the electronic device.
In another aspect, a method for communicating with an electronic
device is described. The method may include receiving, by an
accessory device, the electronic device into a receptacle of the
accessory device. The receptacle can carry wireless circuitry and a
memory circuit that stores information in accordance with the
accessory device. The method may further include the accessory
device receiving, from the electronic device, communication at the
wireless circuitry. The method may further include the accessory
device providing, using the wireless circuitry, the information in
response to the communication.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments
will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the
embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein
like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in
which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
accessory device, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
an accessory device, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
electronic device, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device
positioned in an accessory device, in accordance with some
described embodiments;
FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device and
the accessory device shown in FIG. 4, showing the cover positioned
over the electronic device and the receptacle;
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an
accessory device, showing the accessory device having sensors, in
accordance with some described embodiments;
FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an
accessory device, showing the accessory device having a display, in
accordance with some described embodiments;
FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device and an electronic device that is compatible with the
accessory device, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of the accessory device and the
electronic device shown in FIG. 8, showing the electronic device
positioned in the accessory device;
FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of an electronic
device positioned in an accessory device, in accordance with some
described embodiments;
FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
an accessory device that is compatible with an electronic device,
in accordance with some described embodiments;
FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of multiple devices positioned on a
charging station, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device
and the charging shown in FIG. 12, taken along line 13-13, showing
dimensional information of the accessory device;
FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device and an electronic device that is compatible with the
accessory device, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device and an electronic device positioned in the accessory device,
showing the electronic device in communication with a terminal, in
accordance with some described embodiments;
FIG. 16 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device, showing the accessory device with wireless circuitry that
can be selectively activated and deactivated by a button of the
accessory device, in accordance with some described
embodiments;
FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for altering an
electronic device using an accessory device, in accordance with
some described embodiments;
FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for interacting
with an accessory device using an electronic device, in accordance
with some described embodiments;
FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for activating
wireless circuitry in an accessory device, in accordance with some
described embodiments; and
FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in
accordance with some described embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that,
according to common practice, various features of the drawings
discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that
dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be
expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of
the present invention described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood
that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the
embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is
intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as
can be included within the spirit and scope of the described
embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
In the following detailed description, references are made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in
which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in
accordance with the described embodiments. Although these
embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one
skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is
understood that these examples are not limiting such that other
embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.
The following disclosure relates to accessory devices designed for
use with electronic devices, including portable electronic devices
such as mobile wireless communication devices (examples of which
include smartphones and tablet devices). As described herein,
accessory devices may include a case designed to receive an
electronic device. Alternatively, accessory devices described
herein may include a folio with both a case as well as a cover that
can fold over the case to cover/conceal the electronic device,
including a display of the electronic device.
Accessory devices described herein may include additional features.
For instance, an accessory device may include wireless circuitry
used to communicate with an electronic device that is carried by
the accessory device. As a non-limiting example, wireless circuitry
described herein may include wireless communication circuitry such
as near-field communication ("NFC"), or communication protocol and
data exchanges included in standards covered by ISO/IEC 14443 and
ISO/IEC. In this regard, wireless circuitry described herein may
include features such as card emulation, read/write capabilities,
and/or peer-to-peer information exchange. In order to communicate
with accessory devices, electronic devices described herein may
also include similar wireless circuitry. While other communication
protocols are possible, NFC communication may be advantageous for
purposes of low-power transmission, resulting in less battery usage
(i.e., less power consumption) of a battery of the accessory
device.
The wireless circuitry in accessory devices described herein can be
used for various tasks. For example, the wireless circuitry can
respond to authentication requests from an electronic device. An
authentication of the accessory device by the electronic device
provides verification information to the electronic device that the
accessory device is an acceptable and/or approved accessory device
for use with the electronic device. The authentication process may
be used to establish approved communication between the accessory
device and the electronic device. Alternatively, or additionally,
to establish communication, the wireless circuitry can be used to
send an authentication request (defining an electronic device
authentication request) to the electronic device and receive an
authentication response from the electronic device so as to provide
mutual authentication. Conversely, when authentication is rejected,
the authentication process prevents the exchange of information
between the accessory device and the electronic device. When
communication between the accessory device and the electronic
device is established, the accessory device can send information to
the electronic device such as the type of accessory device (case or
folio), the color of the accessory device, and/or the material of
the accessory device, as non-limiting examples. The accessory
device may also include memory that stores information related to
user interest, includes stored user preferences.
Information can also be transmitted from the accessory device to
the electronic device. Once the information is received, the
electronic device can subsequently change one or more parameters.
For example, the electronic device can add a filter to the display
of the electronic device. The filter can alter an image presented
on the display by applying a color to the display such that the
image matches the color of the accessory device.
Accessory devices described herein may include additional features.
For example, some accessory devices may include sensors, such as an
ultraviolet ("UV") light sensor designed to detect ambient sunlight
that is incident on the accessory device. The wireless circuitry in
the accessory device can communicate information related to UV
light detected from the UV light sensor, and send the information
to the electronic device. The electronic device can subsequently
use this information to notify a user of the ambient light
conditions. Also, some accessory devices described herein may
include a display. The wireless circuitry in the accessory device
can receive information from the electronic device that can be
presented on the display. Also, wireless circuitry described herein
may supply power to passive components of the accessory device,
such as a memory circuit and/or a battery.
In some instances, it may be advantageous to maintain the wireless
circuitry in a normally inactive mode (in which no communication
features are available) and selectively activate the wireless
circuitry when desired. This can be advantageous during instances
when the wireless circuitry emits radio frequency ("RF") that would
otherwise interfere with a RF receiving terminal. This can be
implemented in several ways. For instance, some accessory devices
described herein include a target (such as a magnet) that can be
detected by a sensor (such has a magnetic field sensor) in the
electronic device. When the sensor detects the target, the
electronic device can send a request to activate, or wake, the
wireless circuitry in the accessory device. Also, accessory devices
described herein include a switch used to activate the wireless
circuitry.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 1-20. However, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect
to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be
construed as limiting.
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
accessory device 100, in accordance with some described
embodiments. The accessory device 100, as well as other accessory
devices described herein, is designed for use with mobile wireless
communication devices, such as smartphones and tablet computing
devices (not shown in FIG. 1). Also, the accessory device 100, and
accessory devices described herein, may include a material (or
materials), such as leather, plastic, synthetic leather, and/or
silicone, as non-limiting examples.
As shown, the accessory device 100 includes a receptacle 102. The
receptacle 102 may include a wall 104, or bottom wall, that
includes an opening 106 positioned in a location corresponding to a
camera(s) and a flash module (not shown in FIG. 1) of a mobile
wireless communication device. The receptacle 102 may further
include several sidewalls (such as a sidewall 108a, a sidewall
108b, and a sidewall 108c) that extend from the wall 104. In this
manner, the receptacle 102 forms an internal volume that includes a
size and shape corresponding to that of the mobile wireless
communication device, and as a result, the accessory device 100 can
hold/carry the mobile wireless communication device in the
receptacle 102. Also, the accessory device 100 may include a button
112 located on the sidewall 108c. The button 112 is generally
positioned on the sidewall 108c in a location corresponding to a
button on a mobile wireless communication device when the mobile
wireless communication device is positioned in the receptacle 102.
In the manner, the button 112 provides an indication to a user
where a button of the mobile wireless communication device is
located such that the user can depress the button 112 to depress
the mobile wireless communication device button.
The accessory device 100 may further include a cover 114. The cover
114 may include a sleeve 116 that can store various objects, such
as portable internal power supplies, sensors, credit cards, user
identification, etc. The cover 114 is connected to the receptacle
102 by a hinge 118. The hinge 118 allows relative movement between
the cover 114 and receptacle 102. While the accessory device 100 is
in an open position in FIG. 1, the cover 114 can rotate relative
to, and be positioned on, the sidewalls of the receptacle 102 in
order conceal and protect a mobile wireless communication device
positioned in the receptacle 102, thereby placing the accessory
device 100 in a closed positioned (shown later). It should be noted
that the receptacle 102 may be referred to as a receptacle portion
or a first portion, and the cover 114 may be referred to as a front
cover, a flap, a front flap, or a second portion.
The accessory device 100 may include communication features,
including wireless communication features, designed to communicate
with mobile wireless communication device s that are carried by the
accessory device 100 in the receptacle 102. For example, the
accessory device 100 may include wireless circuitry 122. The
wireless circuitry 122 may include NFC circuitry, as a non-limiting
example. Other forms of wireless circuitry, including low-power
wireless circuitry, are possible. Also, the wireless circuitry 122
may further include circuitry for processing wireless technology
standards transmitted and received in a band in the 2.400 to 2.485
Gigahertz ("GHz") range, also referred to as BLUETOOTH.RTM.. The
wireless circuitry 122 may include circuitry for processing
wireless technology standards transmitted and received in a band in
the 2.400 to 5.000 GHz range, also referred to as WI-FI.RTM.. As
shown, the wireless circuitry 122 is embedded in the wall 104.
However, the wireless circuitry 122 may be located and embedded
elsewhere, such as in one of the sidewalls or the cover 114.
The accessory device 100 may further include a memory circuit 124
that stores programs and algorithms that can be accessed by the
wireless circuitry 122 via an embedded flexible circuit (not shown
in FIG. 1), as a non-limiting example. The wireless circuitry 122
is designed to communicate various features to a mobile wireless
communication device, with the various features being stored on the
memory circuit 124. For instance, the wireless circuitry 122 may
provide information in accordance with, related to, the accessory
device 100, which may include the serial number, color and/or
material of the accessory device 100. Alternatively, or in
combination, the wireless circuitry 122 may provide information,
such as whether the accessory device 100 includes a cover 114, as
some embodiments of an accessory device (shown later) may not
include a cover.
In addition to the aforementioned functions, the wireless circuitry
122 may also be used for authentication purposes. For example, a
manufacturer of mobile wireless communication devices may require a
determination whether the accessory device 100 is made by the
manufacturer and/or an approved third party accessory device
manufacturer. In this regard, a mobile wireless communication
device may transmit an authentication request, via wireless means,
to the wireless circuitry 122 of the accessory device 100. The
wireless circuitry 122 can transmit the authentication request to
the memory circuit 124. The memory circuit 124 (or in some
instances, the wireless circuitry 122) may include instructions for
executing an authentication request. In response to the
authentication request, the wireless circuitry 122 may transmit
authentication information to the mobile wireless communication
device. Moreover, in some instances, a mutual authentication
process occurs in which the accessory device 100 transmits an
authentication request, using the wireless circuitry 122, to a
mobile wireless communication device and receives a response (from
the mobile wireless communication device) to the authentication
request in order to validate the mobile wireless communication
device.
The accessory device 100 may further include a target 126 that can
be detected by a mobile wireless communication device positioned in
the receptacle 102. In some embodiments, the target 126 is a magnet
that emits an external magnetic field that is detectable by a
magnetic field sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) of the mobile wireless
communication device. The target 126 can provide several benefits
for the accessory device 100. For example, when a mobile wireless
communication device is positioned in the receptacle and detects
the target 126, communication may be initiated between the mobile
wireless communication device and the accessory device 100. The
communication may include an exchange of information including an
authentication request, as a non-limiting example. Also, in some
instances, the wireless circuitry 122 may configured as "normally
off," or inactive, and is activated based a request that activates,
"wakes," the wireless circuitry 122, thereby placing the wireless
circuitry 122 in an active mode. The request from the mobile
wireless communication device may be initiated when the mobile
wireless communication device detects the target 126.
In addition to communication features, the wireless circuitry 122
may provide additional functions, such as providing power to
components of the accessory device 100. For example, the wireless
circuitry 122 can supply power received by a mobile wireless
communication device, or another device, to the memory circuit 124,
an internal power supply 128 (or battery) that stores energy,
and/or processing circuitry 130. The processing circuitry 130 can
execute instructions stored on the memory circuit 124 and/or the
wireless circuitry 122. Although not shown, the accessory device
100 may include an inductive charging coil designed to supply power
to the internal power supply 128, or other devices of the accessory
device 100 that require power. It should be noted that the internal
power supply 128 and the processing circuitry 130 can be in
communication with the wireless circuitry 122 via an embedded
flexible circuit (not shown in FIG. 1), as a non-limiting
example.
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
an accessory device 200, in accordance with some described
embodiments. The accessory device 200 may include several features
shown and described for the accessory device 100 (shown in FIG. 1),
with the exception of the cover 114 and the hinge 118. For example,
the accessory device 200 may include a receptacle 202 designed to
receive a mobile wireless communication device (not shown in FIG.
2). The receptacle 202 may include a wall 204, or bottom wall, that
includes an opening 206 positioned in a location corresponding to a
camera(s) and a flash module (not shown in FIG. 2) of a mobile
wireless communication device. The receptacle 202 may further
include several sidewalls (such as a sidewall 208a a sidewall 208b,
and a sidewall 208c) that extend from the wall 204 to form an
internal volume that includes a size and shape that can receive and
hold/carry a mobile wireless communication device, and as a result,
the accessory device 200 can hold/carry the mobile wireless
communication device in the receptacle 202. Also, the accessory
device 200 may include a button 212 located on the sidewall 208c
used to depress a button of a mobile wireless communication device
in the receptacle 202 located in the receptacle 202.
The accessory device 200 further includes wireless circuitry 222, a
memory circuit 224, a target 226, an internal power supply 228, and
processing circuitry 230. The wireless circuitry 222, the memory
circuit 224, the target 226, the internal power supply 228, and the
processing circuitry 230 may include any features and perform any
functions described for the wireless circuitry 122, the memory
circuit 124, the target 126, the internal power supply 128, and the
processing circuitry 130, respectively, of the accessory device 100
(shown in FIG. 1).
FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
electronic device 350, in accordance with some described
embodiments. The electronic device 350 may include a mobile
wireless communication device (such as smartphone or tablet
computing device) that can be used in conjunction with accessory
devices described herein. As shown, the electronic device 350
include an enclosure 352, or housing, that that forms an internal
volume used to store several internal components of the electronic
device 350. The electronic device 350 may further include a display
assembly 354 that can present visual information in the form of
still images (such as pictures and textual images), as well as
motion picture imagery. The display assembly 354 may include
touchscreen capabilities, including capacitive touchscreen
capabilities. The electronic device 350 may include a transparent
protective layer 356 that covers the display assembly 354. The
transparent protective layer 356 may include glass (thereby
defining a cover glass), plastic, sapphire, or generally any
transparent protective layer. The electronic device 350 may further
include a button 358 that can be operated/actuated by a button of
an accessory device (such as the button 112 shown in FIG. 1) when
the electronic device 350 is positioned in a receptacle of an
accessory device (such as the receptacle 102 shown in FIG. 1). The
electronic device 350 may further include a port 362 that can
receive a connector of a cable assembly (not shown in FIG. 3). The
port 362 provides a pathway for power to the electronic device 350
as well as data transmission to and from the electronic device
350.
The electronic device 350 may include additional components that
are stored by the enclosure 352. For example, the electronic device
350 may include wireless circuitry 364 designed for communication
with wireless circuitry of accessory devices described herein. The
wireless circuitry 364 may operate using communication protocol and
standards consistent with wireless circuitry in accessory device
described herein. In this regard, the wireless circuitry 364 may
provide an authentication request to an accessory device, receive
information related to the accessory device, and/or respond to an
authentication request by the accessory device, as non-limiting
features. Although not shown, the electronic device 350 may include
a memory circuit that stores executable instructions used by the
wireless circuitry 364.
The electronic device 350 may further a detection mechanism 366
that is designed to detect a target in an accessory device (not
shown in FIG. 3). When the target is a magnet, the detection
mechanism 366 may include a magnetic field sensor (such as a Hall
Effect sensor or an anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor) that can
detect a magnetic field emitted by the magnet. Also, the enclosure
352 may include metal components. However, a back wall (not shown
in FIG. 3) of the enclosure 352 may include a non-metal material
(such as glass) or a metal with an opening that permits
transmission of radio frequencies and magnetic fields.
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device
positioned in an accessory device, in accordance with some
described embodiments. The electronic device may include the
electronic device 350 (shown in FIG. 3) and the accessory device
may include the accessory device 100 (shown in FIG. 1). When the
electronic device 350 is positioned in the receptacle 102 of the
accessory device 100, the target 126 of the accessory device 100 is
detected by the detection mechanism 366 of the electronic device
350. The detection mechanism 366 can subsequently generate and
provide input that causes the wireless circuitry 364 of the
electronic device 350 to initiate communication with the wireless
circuitry 122 of the accessory device 100. The initiated
communication may include an authentication request provided by the
wireless circuitry 364 to the wireless circuitry 122, as an
example. When the wireless circuitry 122 responds to the
authentication request with credential information, the wireless
circuitry 364 receives the credential information and provides the
credential information to processing circuitry (not shown in FIG.
4) of the electronic device 350. If the credential information is
authenticated/validated, the wireless circuitry 122 of the
accessory device 100 may provide information related to the
accessory device 100, such as color and/or material of the
accessory device 100, as non-limiting examples.
In some instances, prior to the wireless circuitry 122 providing
information related to the accessory device 100, the wireless
circuitry 122 provides an authentication request to the wireless
circuitry 364 of the electronic device 350. When the wireless
circuitry 364 responds to the authentication request with
credential information, the wireless circuitry 122 receives the
credential information and provides the credential information to
processing circuitry 130 (shown in FIG. 1) of the accessory device
100. If the credential information is authenticated/validated, the
wireless circuitry 122 of the accessory device 100 subsequently
provides the information in accordance with the accessory device
100. Accordingly, a mutual authentication step can occur between
the accessory device 100 and the electronic device 350. Although
the wireless circuitry 364 and the detection mechanism 366 are
shown as being aligned (in the Z-axis) with respect to the wireless
circuitry 122 and the target 126, respectively, the wireless
circuitry 364 and the detection mechanism 366 can be offset (in the
X- and/or Y-axis) with respect to the wireless circuitry 122 and
the target 126, respectively. However, the wireless circuitry 364
and the wireless circuitry 122 should each be capable of providing
sufficient transmitting power to each other, and the magnetic field
(not shown in FIG. 4) of the target 126 (when the target 126 is a
magnet) should be incident on the detection mechanism 366.
FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device 350
and the accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 4, showing the cover 114
positioned over the electronic device 350 and the receptacle 102.
As shown, the accessory device 100 defines a closed position that
provides additional protection to the electronic device 350.
FIGS. 6-16 show different features of accessory devices, including
different hardware that may be integrated with an accessory device.
It should be noted that that some features of the accessory devices
shown and described in FIGS. 6-16 may be combined/integrated with
other accessory devices described herein. Also, some features (such
as wireless circuitry) of the accessory devices shown and described
in FIGS. 6-16 may include any functionality associated with other
accessory devices described herein. Furthermore, although some
features are not explicitly shown, the accessory devices shown and
described in FIGS. 6-16 may include feature shown and described in
prior embodiments of an accessory device. Also, some accessory
devices shown and described in FIGS. 6-16 include a cover and a
hinge. However, in some embodiments, the cover and hinge can be
removed.
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an
accessory device 400, showing the accessory device 400 having
sensors, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown,
the accessory device 400 includes a receptacle 402 for an
electronic device (not shown in FIG. 6) and a cover 414 connected
to the receptacle 402 by a hinge 418. The cover 414 includes a
sensor 432a and a sensor 432b. In some embodiments, the sensor 432a
includes a UV sensor designed to detect UV radiation, including
intensity of the UV radiation that is incident on the accessory
device 400. In some embodiments, the sensor 432b includes a
temperature sensor that determines instantaneous temperature at the
accessory device 400. Sensors integrated with the accessory device
400 may take other forms, such as anemometers and magnetometers
(for a compass), as non-limiting examples.
The accessory device 400 includes wireless circuitry 422 designed
to receive information from the sensor 432a and the sensor 432b. In
other words, the sensor 432a and the sensor 432b can transmit input
information to the wireless circuitry 422. The wireless circuitry
422 can transmit the information provided by the sensor 432a and
the sensor 432b to an electronic device (not shown in FIG. 6). The
electronic device can subsequently present information associated
with the information provided by the sensor 432a and the sensor
432b on a display assembly of the electronic device for a user to
view, along with suggested information to the user based on the
respective information provided by the sensor 432a and the sensor
432b. For example, when the sensor 432a is a UV sensor, the display
assembly of the electronic device can present the UV intensity
information and suggest the user wear additional clothing as
protection from the UV light. When the sensor 432b is a temperature
sensor, the display assembly of the electronic device can present
the temperature information and the user can respond to the
temperature information in a desired manner.
The accessory device 400 may further include an internal power
supply 434. The internal power supply 434 may receive power from an
electronic device (not shown in FIG. 6) that is positioned in the
receptacle 402, and provide the power to operational components of
the accessory device 400. Further, the internal power supply 434
may receive power from an external source (not shown in FIG. 6),
such as an inductive charging station or a plug-in charging
mechanism, and store the power in order to subsequently provide the
power to an electronic device positioned in the receptacle 402. The
internal power supply 434 may include a fixed power supply in the
accessory device 400 or a removable power supply. Regarding the
latter, the internal power supply 434 can be removed and
substituted with a fully charged internal power supply (not shown
in FIG. 6). This may overcome an issue of a user having to wait for
the internal power supply 434 to charge.
FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an
accessory device 500, showing the accessory device 500 having a
display 536, in accordance with some described embodiments. As
shown, the accessory device 500 includes a receptacle 502 for an
electronic device (not shown in FIG. 7) and a cover 514 connected
to the receptacle by a hinge 518. The display 536 is located on the
cover 514. The display 536 can include a touch input display. The
accessory device 500 further includes wireless circuitry 522 that
is in communication with the display 536 via processing circuitry
(not shown in FIG. 7) of the accessory device 500. Also, an
electronic device 550 is positioned in the receptacle 502. The
electronic device 550 includes wireless circuitry 564 that can
provide information to, and receive information from, the wireless
circuitry 522 of the accessory device 500, in a manner similar to
the previously described examples.
In some instances, the wireless circuitry 522 receives information
from the wireless circuitry 564 and subsequently provides the
information to the display 536. As an example shown in FIG. 7, the
electronic device 550 includes a display assembly 554 capable of
presenting a message 568 on the display assembly 554. As shown,
message 568 includes a reminder that reminds a user to go to the
grocery store. When the user provides the electronic device 550
with a list of grocery items stored on memory (either physical
memory in the electronic device 550 or on a cloud-based network),
the electronic device 550 can use the wireless circuitry 564 to
transmit the grocery list information to the wireless circuitry
522. The information can be transmitted by the wireless circuitry
522 to the display 536 of the accessory device 500, and the display
536 can present the grocery list.
The display 536 of the accessory device 500 can provide several
advantages. For example, in some instances, the display 536
includes an ink-based display that can present the information and
subsequently transition to an inactive mode, while still presenting
the information, in order to conserve power. As a result, a user
need not access the display assembly 554 of the electronic device
550, which is known to draw significantly more power than the
display 536.
FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device 600 and an electronic device 650 that is compatible with the
accessory device 600, in accordance with some described
embodiments. As shown, the accessory device 600 may include a
receptacle 602 that receives the electronic device 650. The
accessory device 600 further includes wireless circuitry 622 that
can communicate with wireless circuitry 664 of the electronic
device 650.
The accessory device 600 is shaded to denote a particular
appearance. For instance, the shading of the accessory device 600
denotes a color of the accessory device 600, as a non-limiting
example. The appearance information may be stored on a memory
circuit 624 that can be accessed by the wireless circuitry 622.
Also, the electronic device 650 may include a display assembly 654
that is capable of present an image 658 on the display assembly
654. The image 658 may include multiple different colors in the
spectrum of visible light.
FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of the accessory device 600 and the
electronic device 650 shown in FIG. 8, showing the electronic
device 650 positioned in the accessory device 600. When positioned
in the accessory device 600, the electronic device 650 can be
placed in communication with the accessory device 600. In
particular, the wireless circuitry 622 of the accessory device 600
is in communication with the wireless circuitry 664 of the
electronic device 650. As a result, the wireless circuitry 622 may
transmit information related to the accessory device 600, such as
the appearance of the accessory device 600. In FIG. 9, the
appearance information includes the color of the accessory device
600. The electronic device 650 can alter the display assembly 654
by providing a filter to the image 658 presented on the display
assembly 654, thereby altering the appearance (i.e., color) of the
image 658. As a result, the appearance of the image 658 matches, or
at least partially matches, the appearance of the accessory device
600 in terms of color. Moreover, while the original color scheme of
the image 658 at least partially remains, the applied filter may
tint the image 658 to include a color similar to that of the
accessory device 600.
In addition to providing information related to the appearance of
the accessory device 600, additional features are possible. For
example, in some embodiments, the accessory device 600 includes
information stored on the memory circuit 624 associated with a
particular theme. The theme may include a user-preferred theme,
such as a sport franchise, a college or university, or a particular
location of interest, as non-limiting examples. In this regard,
when the electronic device 650 is positioned in the accessory
device 600, information related to that particular theme can be
transmitted to the electronic device 650 and presented on the
display assembly 654. For example, when theme is related to a
sports franchise, the sport franchise information is transmitted
from the accessory device 600 to the electronic device 650. The
electronic device 650 may use the sports franchise information to
download customized information from a network (such as the
Internet) and provide the customized information--such as the
sports franchise's schedule, current opponent, current score,
and/or statistical information--and subsequently provide the
customized information for presentation on the display assembly 654
and/or through a speaker module (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) of the
electronic device 650. Accordingly, the accessory device 600 may be
associated with one or more personal interests of the user.
In another embodiment, the accessory device 600, using the wireless
circuitry 622, can retrieve specific information and store the
specific information that can be accessed by a user. For example,
the accessory device 600 may be purchased as a gift, with the
intent that a recipient of the accessory device 600 becomes the
user. The purchaser of the accessory device 600 can record and
store a personal message (such as a birthday message), either on
the accessory device 600 or on a cloud-based storage network. Then,
when the recipient/user receives the accessory device 600 and
installs the electronic device 650 (assumed to be owned by the
recipient) in the receptacle 602, the accessory device 600 can
initiate a process in which the recipient/user receives the
personal message from the accessory device 600 or through the
cloud-based storage network, depending on which medium the
purchaser chose to store the personal message. The personalized
message is subsequently presented on the display assembly 654
and/or through a speaker module (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) of the
electronic device 650. Accordingly, the accessory device 600 can
used to transmit person-to-person information generated by one
person with the intent that the information is presented to another
person.
FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of an electronic device 750
positioned in an accessory device 700, in accordance with some
described embodiments. The electronic device 750 includes a camera
module 772 designed to capture images, and also includes a flash
module 774 that provides additional light during an image capture
event by the camera module 772. The accessory device 700 includes
an opening 706 for the camera module 772 and the flash module
774.
The accessory device 700 includes an appearance in terms of a
color. In some instances during an image capture event, light
provided by the flash module 774 reflects from an object (the image
of which is captured by the camera module 772) toward the
electronic device 750. However, the reflected light may also
reflect off of the accessory device 700 prior to receipt by the
camera module 772. When this occurs, the image may be distorted by
imparting a color or tint to the image that matches the color of
the accessory device 700.
Some structural changes can be implemented to accessory device 700
and the electronic device 750 to mitigate these issues. However,
this requires engineering changes to the accessory device 700 and
the electronic device 750. In order to overcome these image
distortion issues and avoid design changes, the accessory device
700 may include wireless circuitry 722 in communication with
wireless circuitry 764 in the electronic device 750. The wireless
circuitry 722 may provide information to the wireless circuitry 764
that is related to the accessory device 700, such as the color
and/or CIELAB color space values, which can be stored on a memory
circuit (not shown in FIG. 10) of the accessory device 700. The
information provided to the wireless circuitry 764 can subsequently
be provided to processor circuitry (not shown in FIG. 10) of the
electronic device 750. Using this information, the electronic
device 750 can predict an amount of light absorption into the
camera module 772 based on the color of the accessory device 700
and the light (initiated from the flash module 774) reflected from
the accessory device 700 into the camera module 772. The electronic
device 750 can run a software application (not shown in FIG. 10)
that uses the predicted amount of light, and offsets or cancels the
light absorption attributed to the accessory device 700. The
offset/cancel feature may include color alterations to an image
file that stores the image of the object captured by the camera
module 772. Accordingly, the image distortion issues can be
mitigated or prevented by means other than hardware design changes,
while still using the flash module 774 of the electronic device
750.
Accessory devices other than cases and folios may include wireless
circuitry used to communicate with electronic devices. For example,
FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
an accessory device 800 that is compatible with an electronic
device 850, in accordance with some described embodiments. As
shown, the accessory device 800 may include a head mounted device
that can take the form of a virtual reality headset or an augmented
reality headset. As shown, the accessory device 800 includes a
receptacle 802 that is designed to receive an electronic device
850. The accessory device 800 further includes a band 803 that can
wrap around a user's head to secure the receptacle 802 (and the
electronic device 850) with the user. The accessory device 800
further includes wireless circuitry 822 and a target 826. When the
electronic device 850 is positioned in the receptacle 802, the
target 826 can be detected by a detection mechanism 866, and
communication can subsequently be established between the wireless
circuitry 822 in the accessory device 800 and wireless circuitry
864 in the electronic device 850. Communication features previously
described between accessory devices and electronic devices may
occur between the accessory device 800 and the electronic device
850.
FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of multiple devices positioned on a
charging station 970, in accordance with some described
embodiments. The charging station 970 may include a wireless
charging station with multiple inductive charging stations capable
of inductively charging the multiple devices. As shown, an
electronic device 950a ("Phone A"), an electronic device 950b
("Phone B"), and an accessory case 980 ("Accessory") are positioned
on the charging station 970. The electronic device 950a and the
electronic device 950b are positioned in an accessory device 900a
and an accessory device 900b, respectively. The electronic devices
and accessory devices may include features previously described for
electronic devices and accessory devices, respectively. The
accessory case 980 may include wireless earphones 982 (shown as
dotted lines) positioned in an enclosure that is designed to
inductively charge the wireless earphones 982.
Although not explicitly shown, the electronic device 950a, the
electronic device 950b, and the accessory case 980 each include an
inductive charging receiving coil. Also, although not explicitly
shown, the charging station 970 includes inductive charging
transmitting coils capable of inductively transferring electrical
current to each of the respective inductive charging receiving
coils the electronic device 950a, the electronic device 950b, and
the accessory case 980 in order to provide inductive wireless
charging to a respective battery located in the electronic device
950a, the electronic device 950b, and the accessory case 980.
The accessory device 900a, the accessory device 900b, and the
accessory case 980 include wireless circuitry 922a, wireless
circuitry 922b, and wireless circuitry 922c, respectively. Also,
the electronic device 950a, the electronic device 950b, and the
accessory case 980 include wireless circuitry 964a, wireless
circuitry 964b, and wireless circuitry 964c capable of wireless
communication with the wireless circuitry 922a, the wireless
circuitry 922b, and the wireless circuitry 922c, respectively.
Further, the charging station 970 may include wireless circuitry
984a, wireless circuitry 984b, and wireless circuitry 984c capable
of wireless communication with the wireless circuitry 922a, the
wireless circuitry 922b, and the wireless circuitry 922c,
respectively. As a result, the charging station 970 may receive
information from the accessory devices and the accessory case 980
and provide information to at least some of the devices, and the
device with the received information may provide/present the
received information on a display assembly of the device. For
example, the wireless circuitry 922b of the accessory device 900b
and the wireless circuitry 922c of the accessory case 980 can
receive battery charge level information from respective batteries
in the electronic device 950b and the accessory case 980 (and/or a
battery in the wireless earphones 982), and transmit the battery
charge level information to the wireless circuitry 984b and the
wireless circuitry 984c, respectively, of the charging station 970.
The wireless circuitry 984b and the wireless circuitry 984c can
transmit the battery charge level information to the wireless
circuitry 922a in the accessory device 900a, which in turn, can
transmit the battery charge level information to the electronic
device 950a via the wireless circuitry 964a. The electronic device
950a includes a display assembly 954 that can present the battery
charge level information of a battery (not shown in FIG. 12) not
only in the electronic device 950a, but also battery charge level
information of a battery (not shown in FIG. 12) of the electronic
device 950b and in the wireless earphones 982. Although not shown,
the display assembly 954 can present the battery charge level
information of a battery (not shown in FIG. 12) in the wireless
earphones 982. Accordingly, the charging station 970 provides and
promotes wireless communication between devices located on, and
inductively charged by, the charging station 970.
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device
950a and the charging station 970 shown in FIG. 12, taken along
line 13-13, showing dimensional information of the accessory device
900a. As shown, the accessory device 900a may include a dimension
905 associated with a thickness of the accessory device 900a. The
thickness information (defined by the dimension 905) may be
transmitted from the wireless circuitry 922a (shown in FIG. 12) of
the accessory device 900a to the wireless circuitry 984a (shown in
FIG. 12) of the charging station 970. The charging station 970 may
use the thickness information to adjust the power transmitted by an
inductive charging transmitter coil 971 in the charging station 970
in order to ensure adequate power is transmitted by the inductive
charging transmitter coil 971 to an inductive charging receiver
coil 951 in the electronic device 950a. The inductive charging
receiver coil 951 used to provide power to an internal power supply
953, or battery, of the electronic device 950a. The charging
station 970 may increase or decrease the transmitted power by the
inductive charging transmitter coil 971 based on the dimension 905
to not only ensure adequate power transmission but also to limit
unnecessary/excessive power transmission.
FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device 1000 and an electronic device 1050 that is compatible with
the accessory device 1000, in accordance with some described
embodiments. As shown, the accessory device 1000 includes a
receptacle 1002 than can receive the electronic device 1050. Also,
the accessory device 1000 includes wireless circuitry 1022, and the
electronic device 1050 includes wireless circuitry 1064 capable of
wireless communication with the wireless circuitry 1022 when the
electronic device 1050 is positioned in the receptacle 1002.
The electronic device 1050 includes a button 1058a and a button
1058b. Each of the buttons, when depressed, allows a user to
provide an input to the electronic device 1050. The accessory
device 1000 includes a button 1012a and a button 1012b that can be
depressed to actuate the button 1058a and the button 1058b,
respectively, when the electronic device 1050 is positioned in the
receptacle 1002. The accessory device 1000 may include additional
buttons, such as a button 1012c and a button 1012d. While the
button 1012a and the button 1012b of the accessory device 1000
correspond to the button 1058a and the button 1058b, respectively,
of the electronic device 1050, the button 1012c and the button
1012d do not correspond to any additional buttons of the electronic
device 1050.
The button 1012c and the button 1012d of the accessory device 1000
can nonetheless be depressed and provide an input to the electronic
device 1050 by passing information to the wireless circuitry 1022,
which in turn provide the information over wireless communication
with the wireless circuitry 1064. The button 1012c and the button
1012d can be pre-programmed to provide specific user inputs, such
as activating a camera module (not shown in FIG. 14) of the
electronic device 1050 to capture an image, as a non-limiting
example. Alternatively, the button 1012c and/or the button 1012d
may be programmed by a user to provide flexibility in terms of
functionality. Regarding the latter, the programming may be
communicated between the electronic device 1050 and the accessory
device 1000 by way of their respective wireless circuitry. It
should be noted that the button 1012c and the button 1012d may be
in communication with the wireless circuitry 1022 by, for example,
flexible circuitry (not shown in FIG. 14) that is embedded in the
accessory device 1000.
FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of an accessory device 1100 and an
electronic device 1150 positioned in the accessory device 1100,
showing the electronic device in communication with a terminal
1188, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the
accessory device 1100 includes a receptacle (not labeled) that
receives the electronic device 1150. Also, the accessory device
1100 includes wireless circuitry 1122, and the electronic device
1150 includes wireless circuitry 1164 that can communicate with the
wireless circuitry 1122 when the electronic device 1150 is
positioned in the receptacle. Also, the accessory device 1100 may
include a target 1126 that can be detected by a detection mechanism
1166 located in the electronic device 1150. In some instances,
detection of the target 1126 by the detection mechanism 1166
provides at least some form of authentication, or at least some
determination that the accessory device 1100 is an authorized
accessory device for use with the electronic device 1150. Also, in
instances when the wireless circuitry 1122 is inactive, the
detection mechanism 1166 may provide an input signal, when the
target 1126 is detected, to the electronic device 1150, which in
turn causes the electronic device 1150 to signal to the wireless
circuitry 1164 to provide an activation, or "wake," command to the
wireless circuitry 1122.
In some embodiments, the terminal 1188 includes a payment terminal
used for processing payment transactions. However, it should be
noted that the terminal 1188 may include other forms of wireless
communication terminals. In these embodiments, the electronic
device 1150, using the wireless circuitry 1164, is capable of
performing a wireless payment transaction with the terminal 1188,
as the terminal 1188 include wireless circuitry 1190. In some
instances, however, certain wireless payment protocols do not
permit a payment transaction when the terminal 1188 detects
wireless communication from more than one wireless circuit a time.
This may occur unintentionally when, for example, both the wireless
circuitry 1122 and the wireless circuitry 1164 each provide
wireless commination that is detected by the terminal 1188. This
may result in the cancellation of the wireless payment transaction
between the electronic device 1150 and the terminal 1188.
In order to overcome this issue, the wireless circuitry 1122 can be
selectively deactivated through communication from the wireless
circuitry 1164 initiated by the electronic device 1150. The
initiation by the electronic device 1150 may occur automatically
when the electronic device 1150 is in a "payment mode," in which
the electronic device 1150 is attempting to perform a wireless
payment transaction with the terminal 1188. Alternatively, a user
of the electronic device 1150 and accessory device 1100 may
initiate a deactivation command by depressing a button 1112 of the
accessory device 1100, corresponding to a depression of a button
(not shown in FIG. 15) of the electronic device 1150.
Alternatively, a user can depress a display assembly 1154
(corresponding to a touch input to the display assembly 1154 that
is detectable by the display assembly 1154) to initiate
deactivation of the wireless circuitry 1122. Either process can
deactivate the wireless circuitry 1122 of the accessory device 1100
in order for the wireless circuitry 1164 of the electronic device
1150 to perform a wireless payment transaction with the terminal
1188. Accordingly, the wireless circuitry 1122 of the accessory
device 1100 can be selectively deactivated in order to comply with
established wireless standards and protocols.
FIG. 16 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory
device 1200, showing the accessory device 1200 with wireless
circuitry 1222 that can be selectively activated and deactivated by
a button of the accessory device 1200, in accordance with some
described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device 1200 includes
a receptacle 1202 that can receive an electronic device (not shown
in FIG. 16). The accessory device 1200 further includes a button
1212a and a button 1212b that can be depressed in order to depress
a respective button (not shown in FIG. 16) of an electronic
device.
The accessory device 1200 further includes a button 1212c in
communication with the wireless circuitry 1222 by way of flexible
circuitry 1292 that is embedded in the accessory device 1200. The
button 1212c can be used to selectively activate or deactivate the
wireless circuitry 1222. For example, the button 1212c can be
depressed to send an input signal to a controller 1230 (with
necessary executable software and/or algorithms), which in turn,
activates the wireless circuitry 1222 when the wireless circuitry
1222 is inactive, or deactivates the wireless circuitry 1222 when
the wireless circuitry 1222 is active. Accordingly, the accessory
device 1200 may include internal hardware and software that can
control the wireless circuitry 1222.
FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart 1300 showing a method for
communicating with an electronic device using an accessory device,
in accordance with some described embodiments. The processes in the
flowchart 1300 indicated as being carried out by the accessory
device can be carried out other accessory devices described
herein.
In step 1302, the electronic device is received by the accessory
device. For example, the electronic device can be received by the
accessory device by positioning the electronic device a receptacle
of the accessory device. The receptacle may carry wireless
circuitry and a memory circuit that stores information in
accordance with the accessory device. In some embodiments, the
accessory device includes a folio having both a receptacle and a
cover. In these embodiments, the wireless circuitry and the memory
circuit may be carried by the receptacle or the cover. Further,
when the accessory device includes a folio, one of the wireless
circuit and the may be carried by the receptacle and the remaining
component may be carried by the cover.
In step 1304, the accessory device receives communication, from the
electronic device, communication at the wireless circuitry. The
communication may include an authentication request that requires
(by the electronic device) the accessory device to identify itself
to the electronic device.
In step 1306, the accessory device provides, using the wireless
circuitry, the information in response to the communication. The
information may can be stored on the memory circuit, and may
include authentication information, such as a validation key (as a
non-limiting example). Once the accessory device is validated, the
accessory device may provide additional information (stored on the
memory circuit) to the electronic device, such as serial
information (corresponding to the type of accessory device) or
appearance (such as color and/or material of the electronic
device), as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the
validation step is not required.
FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart 1400 showing a method for
interacting with an accessory device using an electronic device, in
accordance with some described embodiments. In step 1402, the
electronic device can monitor for a target in the accessory device.
The target may include a magnet, or some other component (active or
passive) that emits a detectable feature(s). Also, when the target
includes a magnet, the sensor may include a magnetic field
sensor.
At step 1404, a determination is made whether the target is
detected. When the sensor detects the target, the electronic device
is positioned in a receptacle of the accessory device.
In step 1406, the electronic device can provide an authentication
request to the accessory device. As an example, the electronic
device may include wireless circuitry that provides wireless
communication to wireless circuitry in the accessory device. Also,
the wireless communication protocol may include NFC protocols, as a
non-limiting example. When the authentication request from the
electronic device is provided to the accessory device, the
accessory device may then respond, using wireless circuitry, with a
validation response to the electronic device.
In step 1408, a decision is made, by the electronic device, whether
the accessory device is authenticated. If the validation response
provided by the accessory device is determined not to be authentic,
the flowchart 1400 returns to step 1402. If, on the other hand, the
validation response provided by the accessory device is determined
to be authentic, the accessory device can be validated by the
electronic device and the process can continue to step 1410 (an
optional step) or directly to step 1412.
In step 1410, an optional step, subsequent to the electronic device
determining the accessory device is authentic, the accessory device
subsequently can provide an authentication request to the
electronic device, by way of the wireless circuitry in the
respective devices. When the authentication request from the
accessory device is provided to the electronic device, the
electronic device may then respond, using wireless circuitry, by
providing authentication information that includes a validation
response to the accessory device. If the validation response
provided by the electronic device is determined to be authentic,
the process can continue to step 1412.
Step 1410 can define, in part, a mutual authentication process in
which the electronic device and the accessory device can validate
each other. While in some instance a single authentication step
from the electronic device to the accessory device may limit or
prevent use of a counterfeit or otherwise unauthorized accessory
device, the addition of step 1410 can provide additional security
and privacy. Mutual authentication requires that the accessory
device must perform not only a validation response, but must also
have its own hardware and software to provide an authentication.
Further, the mutual authentication also provides an added step of
ensuring the electronic device and the accessory device are
compatible with each other, and are approved devices.
In step 1412, the electronic device obtains information from the
accessory device. As non-limiting examples, the information may
include characteristics of the accessory device, such as the color,
material(s), reflective properties of the material(s), and whether
the accessory device includes a cover. In addition, the accessory
device may store information related a theme, hobby, or something
of particular interest to a user. This information can also be
transmitted to the electronic device. By obtaining the information
from the accessory device, the electronic device performs several
operations. For example, when the electronic device receives color
information pertaining to the accessory device, the electronic
device can apply a filter to a display assembly of the electronic
device, with the filter altering an appearance of an image
presented by the display assembly to include a color that matches
the color of the accessory device. In another example, when the
electronic device receives the reflective properties of the
material and the color information (of the accessory device), the
electronic device can predict, using the processing circuitry, the
color absorption into a camera module of the electronic device from
the accessory device. The predicted amount of light can be used by
a software application capable of offsetting light absorption
issues related to the appearance/color of the accessory device. In
yet another example, when accessory device provides information
related to a theme, the theme information is transmitted from the
accessory device to the electronic device. The electronic device
may use the theme information to download from a network (such as
the Internet) and provide customized information related to the
theme, and subsequently present on customized information on the
display assembly and/or through a speaker module of the electronic
device. In yet another example, when accessory device provides
information related to a stored message (e.g., customized message)
by a person, the information is transmitted from the accessory
device to the electronic device. The electronic device may
subsequently present the customized message on the display assembly
and/or through a speaker module of the electronic device.
FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart 1500 showing a method for
activating wireless circuitry in an accessory device, in accordance
with some described embodiments. The process steps in the flowchart
1500 indicated as being carried out by the electronic device and
the accessory device can be carried out by electronic devices and
the accessory devices, respectively, described herein.
In step 1502, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device is
configured in an inactive mode. The configuration can be initiated
by a manufacturer of the accessory device, or may include a
user-initiated deactivation of the wireless circuitry.
In step 1504, the electronic device is received by the accessory
device. The accessory device may include a receptacle that defines
an internal volume having a size and shape in accordance with the
electronic device, thereby allowing the electronic device to fit
into the receptacle. The receptacle may further include a target,
such as a magnet, that is detectable by a sensor, or detection
mechanism, in the electronic device.
In step 1506, the sensor in the electronic device is triggered. In
this regard, the target is detected by the sensor, and the sensor
initiates the triggering event. The sensor may include a magnetic
field sensor when the target in the accessory device includes a
magnet.
In step 1508, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device is
activated. The activation is based in part upon the sensor in the
electronic device being triggered by detection of the target in the
accessory device.
In step 1510, information associated with the accessory device is
provided to the electronic device. This may be performed between
wireless circuitry in the respective devices. As non-limiting
examples, the information may include characteristics of the
accessory device, such as the color, material(s), reflective
properties of the material(s), and whether the accessory device
includes a cover. In addition, the accessory device may store
information related a theme, hobby, or something of particular
interest to a user. This information can also be transmitted to the
electronic device. By obtaining the information from the accessory
device, the electronic device performs several operations. For
example, when the electronic device receives color information
pertaining to the accessory device, the electronic device can apply
a filter to a display assembly of the electronic device, with the
filter altering an appearance of an image presented by the display
assembly to include a color that matches the color of the accessory
device. In another example, when the electronic device receives the
reflective properties of the material and the color information (of
the accessory device), the electronic device can predict, using the
processing circuitry, the color absorption into a camera module of
the electronic device from the accessory device. The predicted
amount of light can be used by a software application capable of
offsetting light absorption issues related to the accessory device.
In yet another example, when accessory device provides information
related to a theme, the theme information is transmitted from the
accessory device to the electronic device. The electronic device
may use the theme information to download from a network (such as
the Internet) and provide customized information related to the
theme, and subsequently present the customized information on the
display assembly and/or through a speaker module of the electronic
device. In yet another example, when accessory device provides
information related to a stored message (e.g., customized message)
by a person, the information is transmitted from the accessory
device to the electronic device. The electronic device may
subsequently present the customized message on the display assembly
and/or through a speaker module of the electronic device.
FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 1600,
in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in the
electronic device 1600 may be present in electronic devices
described herein. The electronic device 1600 may include a portable
electronic device, such as a mobile wireless communication device
described herein. The electronic device 1600 may include one or
more processors 1610 for executing functions of the electronic
device 1600. The one or more processors 1610 can refer to at least
one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one
microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. Also, the one
or more processors 1610 can refer to application specific
integrated circuits.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1600 can
include a display unit 1620. The display unit 1620 is capable of
presenting a user interface that includes icons (representing
software applications), textual images, and/or motion images. In
some examples, each icon can be associated with a respective
function that can be executed by the one or more processors 1610.
In some cases, the display unit 1620 includes a display layer (not
illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD),
light-emitting diode display (LED), or the like. According to some
embodiments, the display unit 1620 includes a touch input detection
component and/or a force detection component that can be configured
to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., capacitance
value) when the user's appendage (acting as a capacitor plate)
comes into proximity with the display unit 1620 (or in contact with
a transparent cover layer that covers the display unit 1620). The
display unit 1620 is connected to the one or more processors 1610
via one or more connection cables 1622.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1600 can
include one or more sensors 1630 capable of detecting an
orientation of the electronic device 1600. In some examples, the
one or more sensors 1630 may include an accelerometer, an
electronic gyroscope, or some other orientation sensor. In some
embodiments, the one or more sensors 1630 can determine whether the
electronic device 1600 is positioned in a manner that a user can
use certain features, such as an input mechanism of an accessory
device (not shown in FIG. 20). In response, the one or more
processors 1610 can modify a notification that activates the
display unit 1620. The one or more sensors 1630 can also include
magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors. The one or
more sensors 1630 is/are connected to the one or more processors
1610 via one or more connection cables 1632.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1600 can
include one or more input/output components 1640 that enable
communication between a user and the electronic device 1600. In
some cases, the one or more input/output components 1640 can refer
to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user.
In some examples, the one or more input/output components 1640 can
refer to a switch having a mechanical actuator (e.g., spring-based
switch, slide-switch, rocker switch, rotating dial, etc.) or other
moving parts that enable the switch to be actuated by the user.
When the one or more input/output components 1640 are used, the one
or more input/output components 1640 can generate an electrical
signal that is provided to the one or more processors 1610 via one
or more connection cables 1642.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1600 can
include a power supply 1650 that is capable of providing energy to
the operational components of the electronic device 1600. In some
examples, the power supply 1650 can refer to a rechargeable
battery. The power supply 1650 can be connected to the one or more
processors 1610 via one or more connection cables 1652. The power
supply 1650 can be directly connected to other devices of the
electronic device 1600, such as the one or more input/output
components 1640. In some examples, the electronic device 1600 can
receive power from another power source (e.g., an external charging
device). Further, the power supply 1650 may include an inductive
charging coil for receiving an induced current used to charge the
power supply 1650.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1600 can
include memory 1660, which can include a single disk or multiple
disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module
that manages one or more partitions within the memory 1660. In some
cases, the memory 1660 can include flash memory, semiconductor
(solid state) memory, or the like. The memory 1660 can also include
a Random Access Memory ("RAM") and a Read-Only Memory ("ROM"). The
ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a
non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and
stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic
device 1600. In some embodiments, the memory 1660 refers to a
non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system
("OS") is established at the memory 1660 that can be configured to
execute software applications. The one or more processors 1610 can
also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments,
a data bus 1662 can facilitate data transfer between the memory
1660 and the one or more processors 1610.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1600 can
include wireless communications components 1670. A network/bus
interface 1672 can couple the wireless communications components
1670 to the one or more processors 1610. The wireless
communications components 1670 can communicate with other
electronic devices via any number of wireless communication
protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the
Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless
personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the
wireless communications components 1670 can communicate using NFC
protocol. Similarly, an accessory device (not shown in FIG. 20) may
include a wireless communications component that communicates,
under NFC protocol, with the wireless communications components
1670.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled
in the art that the specific details are not required in order to
practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing
descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are
presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are
not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the
precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that many modifications and variations are
possible in view of the above teachings.
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